William Farrar Smith Military person

William Farrar Smith (February 17, 1824 – February 28, 1903), known as ‘Baldy’ Smith, was a Union general in the American Civil War, notable for attracting the extremes of glory and blame. He was praised for his gallantry in the Seven Days Battles and Antietam, but was demoted for insubordination after the disastrous defeat at Fredericksburg. As chief engineer of the Army of the Cumberland, he acquired legendary fame by restoring a supply-line that saved that army from starvation and surrender (the “Cracker Line”). Leading the first operation against Petersburg, Smith’s hesitation, possibly illness-related, cost the Union a prime opportunity for a quick end to the war, and he was relieved of command.

Personal facts

Birth date	February 17, 1824
Date of death	February 28, 1903
Place of death	Pennsylvania , Philadelphia
Resting place	Arlington County Virginia , Arlington National Cemetery

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Military person

allegiance	Union
military operations	American Civil War
military branch	Union Army
military command	IX Corps XVIII Corps VI Corps
service start	1845
service end	1867